5 Things Your Skin Might Be Telling You About Your Health

Sometimes your skin is the first to let you know that something isn’t quite right within your body. You might not have realized that you had a health issue needing to be addressed until you see the effects on your skin. The health and vitality of your skin can also be an overall indicator of general health and can be affected by nutrient deficiencies and dehydration.

Being aware of changes in your skin or on your skin can be a way to quickly determine if there is a condition you may need to be aware of. Healthy skin should be a color which is consistent throughout the body and kept hydrated. If you notice your skin changing and developing rashes, discoloring, itches or anything else that isn’t normal, see your healthcare professional as it may be your skin trying to pass on a message from your body.

So what are some common skin conditions which may be trying to inform you about your health?

Butterfly Rash

As the name suggests, this is a rash that occurs in the shape of a butterfly. Unfortunately it occurs on your face with the wings on your cheeks and the body of the butterfly is on the bridge of your nose. There are two common causes of a butterfly rash. The first is dermatitis, which can be easily treated with medication. However, a butterfly rash is also associated with the autoimmune disease Lupus. You will need further testing to diagnose accurately.

Itchy Bumps On Wrists

Darker red in color, these itchy bumps are called lichen planus. The bumps are usually found on the inside of your wrists, but can also be found in your mouth (or both). In rare situations, they can also be found on other parts of the body. They are actually a pretty common skin disorder. They are not contagious and not a cancer. At this point, it is not known how lichen planus is contracted, but it may be linked to hepatitis C and you will need to see your doctor and possibly even get your liver checked out if you are displaying these symptoms.

Bags And Puffiness Under The Eyes

In most cases bags under the eyes are harmless and are usually a result of a sleepless night. Once you get a goodnights sleep the next night, they should disappear. But what if you’re sleeping well and the bags under your eyes and puffiness stick around? Well this can be a cause of a diet too rich in sodium which leads to your body retaining water. So try reducing sodium in your diet especially by eliminating processed foods and see if the symptoms improve.

Chronic Itchy And Blistering Rash

A Chronic Itchy and Blistering Rash can be known as dermatitis herpetiformis or duhring's disease. These large rashes are commonly made up of blisters filled with fluid and commonly appear around the stomach, knees, back, or scalp. Its appearance is similar to the herpes virus, but it is not related. Dermatitis herpetiformis is most common in people of northern European or northern Indian people and is actually a type of celiac disease. The good news is that it is relatively easy to treat with a change in diet and/or medication.

Discoloration And Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is caused by your body producing too much melanin. Melanin is what gives the skin its color. Hyperpigmentation is usually caused by excessive sun exposure however there are also other causes. These darker patches of skin often start on the elbows, knees, neck, groin, or armpits and spread slowly. Discoloration and hyperpigmentation can give the illusion of a nice tan. But they can be the early signs of diabetes so it is very important to watch what you eat to ensure you do not cause further damage to your body. Avoid processed and pre-packaged foods. Add more fresh vegetables and fruits to your diet and drink plenty of water.

In most cases changes to our skin do not indicate a serious issue. However, if you are ever in doubt, it is always best to get your doctor’s advice. The quicker you spot changes to your skin, generally the easier it will be to treat them and the less discomfort you will experience. We would love to hear from you in the comments below about any of your experiences with the above.

Author Bio

After her second child Shannon was left with large stretch marks and is now passionate about helping others prevent and help reduce their own stretch marks. Currently studying to be a health coach at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She can be found at http://curesforstretchmarks.com